He described how these testing chemicals, known as reagents, can help protect Cayman’s blood supply against the Zika.

“Before we had this new test, what we would do was quarantine the blood for two weeks, after that time, we would contact the patient to find out if they were having any symptoms that might be related to Zika,” said Mr. Chin.

That left an opening for so-called silent zika.

“Only a small percentage of patients actually show symptoms, so there was a genuine concern for the whole safety of the process, the safety of the blood we are giving to individuals,” said Mr. Chin.

With the reagents, the blood bank can detect the IGM antibodies associated with Zika in just a couple hours. Already, the blood bank has sniffed out one case of Zika, the country’s 29th lab-confirmed case, that otherwise may have gone undetected.

“Once we get that positive test, once that blood is positive for Zika we go ahead and discard that unit of blood,” said Mr. Chin.

He said the reagents add another layer of safety to the blood supply.
It’s important to note that pregnant women who need blood have been receiving imported blood that’s been through a secondary level of screening called a PCR test. That practice will continue.

Also, Public Health continues its series of Zika town hall meetings Tuesday night (25 October) at John A Cumber Primary school hall in West Bay. The meeting starts at 5:30.

About the author

Joe Avary

Joe Avary has been with Cayman 27 since 2014. He brings 20 years in television experience to the job, working hard every day to bring the people of Cayman stories that inform the public and make a difference in the community. Joe hopes his love for the Cayman Islands shines through in his informative and entertaining weather reports. If you have a story idea for Joe or just want to say hello, call him at 324-2141 or send an email to josephavary@hurleysmedia.ky

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